The 10 Most Swimmable Lakes in America

Summer is synonymous with “beach,” but if you’re only looking to America’s coasts to dig your feet in the sand, you’re missing out on the most quintessential of warm-weather destinations: its lakes.

Popular Lakes in the U.S.

Not only do lakes make the perfect swim spot (especially for families looking for calmer waters), they’re often ideal spots for fishing, kayaking, and camping. Plus, the fresh water means you won’t have any sting in your eyes or funky taste in your mouth. Here are 10 must-visit lakes across the country—and what to do there.

Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe is more than a ski destination: It’s also North America’s largest alpine lake. Nestled among the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the border of California and Nevada, visitors generally head to North Lake Tahoe for Sand Harbor Beach, or Tahoe South, where Regan Beach is a family favorite. The lake sees 300 days of sunshine each year, and offers 24-hour casinos for when the sun sets.

Newfound Lake, New Hampshire

Nearby Lake Winnipesaukee may have more name recognition, but Newfound Lake holds its own, laying claim to some of the cleanest water fed by eight underground springs. Though at seven miles long and two-and-a-half miles wide it’s not the state’s largest lake, Newfound Lake is one of the deepest. And with 22 miles of shoreline, it’s plenty big enough to find your own little slice.

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Lake Texoma, Texas & Oklahoma

As its name indicates, Lake Texoma straddles two states. It’s also one of the largest reservoirs in the country—and one of the most developed. More than 6 million people head to the lake’s shores each year, about an hour north of Fort Worth. But with a surface area of 89,000 acres, there’s room for everyone. Besides jumping off a boat, Eisenhower State Park’s beach is the ideal spot for swimming, tucked away in a cliff-backed cove.

What to Do at Lake Texoma:

Catch around 70 different species of fish, including striper and catfish (just ensure you get the right license).

Break from the water for a round of golf at one of the area’s public or private courses.

Sail the lake by sunset or by moonlight aboard an 1800s-style pirate ship.

Lake Chelan, Washington

The 50.5-mile Lake Chelan is Washington’s largest natural lake, and is surrounded by the Cascade mountains and vineyards. About 100 glaciers continue to drain into the lake during summer. The lake’s surrounding towns and state parks (Willow Point is a local favorite) protect numerous swimming areas, a must when the Lake Chelan Valley sees 300 days of sunshine each year.

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

The state’s largest lake destination, the Lake of the Ozarks has more than 1,150 miles of shoreline. Created by a dam in the 1930s, the lake shores are indented by coves, creating quiet inlets. Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers two sandy public beaches.

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Green Lake, New York

The Finger Lakes draw more attention as far as upstate New York lakes go, but Green Lake and neighbor Round Lake offer two lakes for the price of one—and more swimming opportunities. Green Lake and Round Lake, a National Natural Landmark, are both located in Green Lakes State Park. Sitting at the base of a gorge, the glacial lakes and surrounding area are remnants from the ice age.

Rainy Lake, Minnesota

The land of 10,000 lakes is perhaps the country’s best spot for a lake vacation. One of the top concentrations of the state’s lakes is in Voyageurs National Park. Among the park’s 84,000 acres of water, 655 miles of undeveloped shoreline and 500 islands is Rainy Lake. Since the lake straddles Canada, ensure you understand border crossing rules for boats.

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Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina

Located predominantly in the Nantahala National Forest and surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, Lake Santeetlah has a 76-mile shoreline that’s limited on development and high on seclusion. Cheoah Point offers a swimming area, in addition to camping, and a hiking trail that connects to the Appalachian Trail.

What to Do at Lake Santeetlah:

Rough it in one of the first-come, first-serve lakeside campsites.

Raft down the Cheoah River, with Class IV and V rapids during dam releases.

Lake Ouachita, Arkansas

Arkansas has 23 state parks with water access, but just eight offer a sandy spot to park yourself. Lake Ouachita State Park is one of them. One of the state’s Diamond Lakes, Lake Ouachita is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest and is the state’s largest manmade lake with 975 miles of shoreline.

What to Do at Lake Ouachita:

Angle for bream, crappie, catfish, stripers, and largemouth bass.
Unwind in one of the spas in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

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